Google’s ‘dark web report’ feature will no longer be available starting in February
Summarize this article with:
Google has revealed that its “dark web report” feature will be discontinued starting February 16, 2026. Launched initially about a year and a half ago, this tool aimed to help users monitor their personal information on the dark web For some users, the dark web report seemed like a valuable tool, scanning various data breach dumps and alerting them if their personal information — such as email addresses, names, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers —was found in compromised databases. However, as noted on its support page, Google has decided to shut down the feature due to feedback suggesting that it “didn’t provide helpful next steps” for users facing potential identity risks. Many users echoed this, with Reddit discussions reflecting a common frustration: the tool didn’t offer actionable advice. As one commenter put it, it often felt like all users could do was change their passwords without clear guidance on which accounts or websites were affected. “We’re making this change to instead focus on tools that give you more clear, actionable steps to protect your information online,” the tech giant wrote. “We’ll continue to track and defend you from online threats, including the dark web, and build tools that help protect you and your personal information.” In place of the dark web report feature, Google recommended other protective measures. The company offers other tools, such as “Security Checkup,” which reviews your Google account’s security; a built-in “Password Manager” for generating unique passwords; and “Password Checkup,” which sends alerts when your saved passwords have been compromised, among other features. 9to5Google was the first to spot the feature’s planned shutdown, noting that users were alerted via email. Techcrunch event Join the Disrupt 2026 Waitlist Add yourself to the Disrupt 2026 waitlist to be first in line when Early Bird tickets drop. Past Disrupts have brought Google Cloud, Netflix, Microsoft, Box, Phia, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Hugging Face, Elad Gil, and Vinod Khosla to the stages — part of 250+ industry leaders driving 200+ sessions built to fuel your growth and sharpen your edge. Plus, meet the hundreds of startups innovating across every sector. Join the Disrupt 2026 Waitlist Add yourself to the Disrupt 2026 waitlist to be first in line when Early Bird tickets drop. Past Disrupts have brought Google Cloud, Netflix, Microsoft, Box, Phia, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Hugging Face, Elad Gil, and Vinod Khosla to the stages — part of 250+ industry leaders driving 200+ sessions built to fuel your growth and sharpen your edge. Plus, meet the hundreds of startups innovating across every sector. San Francisco | October 13-15, 2026 WAITLIST NOW If you were using the dark web report feature, it’s important to note that scanning for new dark web breaches will stop on January 16. The dark web report tool will be officially discontinued on February 16, and all related data will be deleted from Google’s servers. Users who want to take control of their data before the deadline can delete their profiles by going to “Results with your info,” then selecting “Edit monitoring profile,” and choosing “Delete monitoring profile” at the bottom. Topics Apps, dark web, DEADPOOL, Google Lauren Forristal Lauren covers media, streaming, apps and platforms at TechCrunch. You can contact or verify outreach from Lauren by emailing laurenf.techcrunch@gmail.com or via encrypted message at laurenforris22.25 on Signal.
View Bio Dates TBD Locations TBA Plan ahead for the 2026 StrictlyVC events. Hear straight-from-the-source candid insights in on-stage fireside sessions and meet the builders and backers shaping the industry. Join the waitlist to get first access to the lowest-priced tickets and important updates.
Waitlist Now Most Popular DoorDash driver faces felony charges after allegedly spraying customers’ food Anthony Ha With iOS 26.2, Apple lets you roll back Liquid Glass again — this time on the Lock Screen Sarah Perez Google launched its deepest AI research agent yet — on the same day OpenAI dropped GPT-5.2 Julie Bort Disney hits Google with cease-and-desist claiming ‘massive’ copyright infringement Aisha Malik OpenAI fires back at Google with GPT-5.2 after ‘code red’ memo Rebecca Bellan Google debuts ‘Disco,’ a Gemini-powered tool for making web apps from browser tabs Sarah Perez Marco Rubio bans Calibri font at State Department for being too DEI Julie Bort